Stranding apparatus

ABSTRACT

Stranding apparatus for fabricating open-weave structures includes a base frame supporting a pair of spaced apart plates, both of which plates includes a plurality of movable pins on which resin impregnated, continuous filament strands are placed. The pins retract into the plates after the resin has cured to allow the stranded product to be removed from the frame. The apparatus rotates about a central axis to provide a plurality of stations at which a specific process or step is accomplished.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to stranding a continuous filament on a frame,and, more particularly, to stranding a resin impregnated continuousfilament on a plurality of pins spaced apart from each other forfabricating open-weave structures.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The use of impregnated continuous filament stranding for makinggenerally light-weight elements having substantial strength has gonehand in hand with the development of various types of resins which areliquid for a period of time and, after curing, become very strong. Anexample of such a resin is the family of products known as various typesof "epoxy". The base or primary resin is generally a somewhat viscousliquid under ordinary or normal circumstances, such as at roomtemperature. The addition of another viscous liquid catalyst, sometimesreferred to as a curing agent or hardener, causes the resin to set up or"cure". The resins set up either at room temperature or at an elevatedtemperature. Typically, the addition of heat, i.e., an elevatedtemperature, hastens the curing of the resin.

At room temperature, the catalyzed resin has a "pot life" of apredetermined amount of time before the curing process progresses to thepoint that the resin is no longer workable for practical purposes. If,during the pot life of the catalyzed resin, heat is applied, the curingprocess is speeded up substantially.

When relatively strong continuous filament material, such as fiberglassroving is impregnated with a catalyzed resin, and the impregnatedfilament is wound about a form in a predetermined pattern, a relativelylightweight yet strong structure results after the resin has set or hasbecome cured. The filament winding or stranding of the object may definea closed, pressure type, vessel which is capable of withstandingsubstantial internal and external pressure, or it may take the form ofan elongated element, such as a lightweight, yet strong, pole. If thestranding results in an open weave or a lattice-type structure,decorative items, such as furniture, may result. A typical example offurniture structures made by open weave or lattice-type construction isillustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,401.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention described and claimed herein comprises apparatus forstranding continuous filaments including a pair of plates having aplurality of radially extendable pins disposed outwardly from the platesand the continuous filament strands are disposed about the pins duringthe stranding process and the pins retract into the plates for removalof the filament strands after the stranding process is completed.

Among the objects of the present invention are the following:

To provide new and useful stranding apparatus;

To provide new and useful stranding apparatus for stranding continuousfilament strands;

To provide new and useful apparatus having a pair of spaced apart plateswith retractable pins extending radially outwardly from the periphery ofthe plates;

To provide new and useful stranding apparatus rotatable to a pluralityof positions for allowing consecutive steps to take place in thestranding process at each position;

To provide new and useful stranding apparatus having a "C" base framefor supporting a pair of plates on which strands are wound; and

To provide new and useful stranding apparatus having a plurality of pinsmovable from one position to another position for winding the strands onthe pins in the one position and for removing the strands from the pinswhen the pins are moved to the other position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top schematic representation of a portion of the apparatusof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top view illustrating an alternate embodiment ofthe apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view in partial section of a portion of the apparatusof FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a view in partial section of a portion of the apparatus ofFIG. 5, taken generally along line 6--6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A is a view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 6, takengenerally along line 7--7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7B is a view in partial section of a portion of the apparatus ofFIG. 6, taken generally along line 7--7 of FIG. 6, with FIGS. 7A and 7Billustrating sequential operation of a portion of the apparatus of FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view in partial section of a portion of theapparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a view in partial section of a portion of an alternateembodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 10, takengenerally along line 11--11 of FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 comprises a perspective view of filament winding or strandingapparatus 10. The stranding apparatus 10 is used to wind strands ofresin impregnated roving, such as fiberglass roving, in a predeterminedpattern or configuration. The apparatus includes four stations on arotating turntable which allows four sequential operations to beaccomplished.

The stranding apparatus 10 includes a control assembly 12 which controlsthe sequential operation of the apparatus 10. Among the various stepscontrolled by the control assembly 12 is the stranding of theimpregnated roving by means of a movable arm 14. The arm 14 iscontrolled in a predetermined fashion, or according to predeterminedparameters, and in accordance with a program, which may be varied,included in the control assembly 12.

Within a container 16 is a quantity of roving material, such ascontinuous filament fiberglass strands, which are fed from the rovingcontainer 16 to a resin tank 24. A pair of roving containers 16 and 20may be used, if desired. A pair of roving strands 18 and 22 are shownextending from the containers 16 and 20, respectively, to the resin tank24.

The resin tank 24 contains a quantity of catalyzed resin through whichthe roving strands 18 and 20 pass or move. In the movement of thestrands through the resin, the strands become impregnated with theresin. From the resin tank 24, a resin impregnated strand or strands 26extends to the control assembly 12, and particularly to the movable arm14 of the control assembly 12. Under the direction of the program withinthe control assembly 12, the arm 14 moves vertically upwardly anddownwardly and transversely to wind the impregnated roving strands 26 inthe desired configuration.

In FIG. 1, the filament strands 26 are wound between a pair of circularplates 200 and 300, both of which include a plurality of radiallyoutwardly extending pins. The roving 26 is wound between pins on theupper plate 200 and on the lower plate 300, as will be discussed indetail below.

The plates 200 and 300 are supported on a C frame 90 which is in turnmounted on a turntable 70. The turntable 70 includes a ring gear 72,which is secured to the bottom of turntable 70. A spur gear 76 mesheswith the ring gear 72 to cause rotation of the turntable 70. A gear box77 is disposed below the spur gear 76, and a shaft 78 extends from amotor 74 (see FIG. 4) to the gear box 77.

For purposes of clarity, the motor 74, gear 76, gear box 77, and shaft78 have been rotated from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the positionshown in detail in FIG. 4, to illustrate the functioning of the overallapparatus in FIG. 4.

The turntable 70 is appropriately supported and journaled for rotation,as shown in FIG. 4. Extending vertically from the center of theturntable 70 is a base column 80. Within the column 80 are a pluralityof control cables, pneumatic or hydraulic lines, or the like, asrequired to operate the apparatus. They are housed in a control duct 88which extends from the control assembly 12 to the turntable 70. The duct88 is preferably beneath the floor or surface on which the apparatus isdisposed.

Secured to the top of the base column 80 is an intermediate plate 82.Disposed on and secured to the intermediate plate 82 is a housing 84which may include various controls, switches, and the like, for theturntable 70, which cooperates with the control assembly 12. Above thehousing 84 is an upper column 86, which is also hollow, as shown in FIG.4, to provide a conduit for control cables, tubing, and the like.

Four C frames 90, 120, 150, and 180 are secured to the turntable 70 andto the intermediate plate 82. The C frame 90 is oriented adjacent thearm 14, while the C frame 120, which includes a pair of plates 400 and500, is shown disposed adjacent a heater 30. C frames 150 and 180, whichinclude pairs of plates 600, 700, and 800, 900, respectively, are atwhat may be referred to as open stations, where the stranded articlesmay be removed from the C frames and where the frames may be cleaned.

The purpose of the heater 30 is to hasten the curing operation of theresin impregnated strands after the stranding has been completed. Theheater 30 includes an enclosure 32 and a pair of clam shell doors 34 and36. As the turntable 70 moves from the heater 30, to the position of Cframe 150, the stranded article may be removed. Another ninety degreerotation of the turntable, to the position shown for C frame 180, allowsfor the completing of the cleaning of the C frame apparatus. Thecleaning process begins at the station occupied by C frame 150 after thestranded article is removed. The cleaning process is accomplished by thetime the turntable 70 rotates another ninety degrees to the position ofC frame 90.

The four C frames are disposed ninety degrees apart from each other, andthe rotation of the turntable is in ninety degree increments. Fouroperations may accordingly be carried on at the four C frames atsubstantially the same time. For example, the first operation is thestranding or filament winding accomplished by the arm 14. While thestranding is taking place at C frame 90, as shown in FIG. 1, thestranded article on C frame 120 may be curing within the heaterenclosure 30. At C frame 150, the stranded article, after curing in theheater enclosure 32, is removed from the C frame and the cleanupoperation on the C frame is begun. The cleaning operation is completedon C frame 180. After cleaning, C frame 180 is then ready for the nextstranding operation, which takes place at the next station, adjacent thearm 14.

During the stranding operation at the first station, located in FIG. 1at the location of the C frame 90, the plates 200 and 300 rotate duringthe stranding operation. The two plates 200 and 300 are locked together,as discussed below, and the rotation of the plates is accordinglytogether. The rotation of the plates is accomplished under the controlof the apparatus within control housing 84, which is under the controlof the apparatus within enclosure 12. The rotation may be accomplishedby an electric stepping motor or by a hydraulic or pneumatic motor, asdesired.

The even curing of the strands or the stranded product between plates400 and 500 within the heater enclosure 30 may also be enhanced by arotation of the plates 400 and 500 within the heater enclosure 32 andits closed clamshell doors 34 and 36. The plates, of course, are lockedtogether by a common shaft. However, after the apparatus moves from theheater 30, the rotation of the plates at the next two stations isimmaterial.

The heater apparatus 30 includes the cabinet 32 which is of a generallyelongated, cylindrical configuration. The cabinet moves on a pair ofrails 42 and 44 which extend radially with respect to the turntable 70.The heater 30 includes a pair of quarter cylinder clam shell doors 34and 36, which are shown in FIG. 1 in the open position. The heater 30,with its clam shell doors 34 and 36 open, is ready to move inwardly onthe rails 42 and 44, toward the turntable 70. When the heater approachesits inward limit, the stranded apparatus disposed between the plates 400and 500, as shown in FIG. 1, are enclosed within the cabinet 32 and thedoors 34 and 36 close, thus enveloping the plates 400 and 500, and theapparatus stranded therebetween.

The operation of the heater 30 may best be understood in conjunctionwith FIGS. 1 and 2. The radially inwardly and outwardly movement of theheater 30 is accomplished by actuating cylinder 40. The actuatingcylinder 40 may include any appropriate mechanisms, such as an electricmotor with a screw drive, or a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder, with apiston rod, as desired. A control cable 50, which comprises a pluralityof individual cables, is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as including theappropriate electrical conductors, for control signals, power, and thelike, for the heater 30. The employment of hydraulic or pneumaticactuators may also include appropriate hoses, and the like, foraccomplishing the desired procedures with respect to the heater 30.

The actuating cylinder 40 includes a piston rod 41, best shown in FIG.2, if a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder is used. The cylinder 40 issecured to the heater cabinet 32. Reciprocating motion of the rod 41 inresponse to appropriate actuation of the cylinder 40 causes the cabinet32, and the doors 34 and 36, to move radially inwardly and outwardlywith respect to the turntable 70 on the rails 42 and 44. A forward limitswitch 46 is disposed adjacent the turntable 70. When the limit switch46 is actuated by appropriate contact with a part, or an element, of theheater 30, the actuating cylinder 40 is halted and the clam shell doors34 and 36 move from the open position shown in FIG. 1 to the closedposition shown in FIG. 2. The open or outer position of the cabinet 32is shown in phantom in FIG. 2. The inner or closed position of thecabinet 32 is shown in FIG. 2 in solid lines.

A length of flexible tubing 38 is shown in FIG. 1 extending upwardlyfrom the top of the cabinet 32. Appropriate exhaust fumes may be carriedin the tubing 38 away from the cabinet 32, as well as exhaust heat, andthe like. In the alternative, if a heating source is not disposed withinthe cabinet 32, the flexible tubing or duct 38 may provide hot air froman external heating source to the cabinet 32.

The opening and closing of the clam shell doors 34 and 36 may be byelectric motor(s), pneumatic or hydraulic motors, and the like. Uponcompletion of the heating cycle, the clam shell doors 34 and 36 open andthe cabinet 32 moves rearwardly on the rails 42 and 44 by retraction ofthe rod 41 of the actuating cylinder 40. When the cabinet 32 iswithdrawn from the turntable 70, the turntable may then rotate ninetydegrees. With respect to FIG. 1, the turntable 70 rotates to move the Cframe 120 from the position shown, adjacent the heater 30, to theposition shown for the C frame 150. The C frame 90, presently located atthe stranding arm 14, then moves to the position shown for C frame 120,adjacent the heater 30.

The time frame for rotating the turntable 70 is governed in largemeasure by the curving time required for the stranded apparatus. Thatis, the apparatus stranded between the plates on the C frames by the arm14 is disposed within the heater 30 for a period of time sufficient toallow the resin impregnated strands of roving to cure. At the end of thepredetermined curing time, the heater cabinet doors 34 and 36 open, thecabinet 32 moves away from the C frame and from the stranded apparatusextending between the pins on the plates, and the turntable 70 rotatesninety degrees to position each C frame at its next station.

With the C frame 120 positioned away from the heater 30, and with thestranded apparatus extending between the plates 400 and 500 at leastsubstantially cured, the stranded apparatus is removed from between theplates 400 and 500, and the plates, and the affected portions of the Cframe 120, are then cleaned ready for the next stranding operation.

The stranded apparatus extending between the plates 200 and 300 is thenenclosed in the heater cabinet 32 and the accelerated cure of the resinwhich impregnates the stranded roving is then accomplished by theelevated temperature within the cabinet 32 of the heater 30.

An alternate arrangement for opening and closing the doors 34 and 36 ofthe cabinet 32 is illustrated in FIG. 3. A pair of curved or arcuate camtracks 52 and 54 are shown extending at least part way through theturntable 70. The cam tracks 52 and 54 are disposed adjacent the tracks42 and 44 on which the heater apparatus 30 moves. Appropriate camfollowers secured to the doors 34 and 36 make contact with the tracks orgrooves 52 and 54 as the cabinet approaches the turntable 70. The doorsaccordingly follow the path of the cam tracks 52 and 54 to cause thedoors to close as the cabinet approaches the turntable 70. When theinner limit switch 46 is closed (or opened, depending on the type ofswitch employed) the doors 36 and 34 will be disposed at their innermostposition, with respect to the tracks 52 and 54, and accordingly will bein the closed position. When the cabinet 32 moves rearwardly, by thereverse actuation of the cylinder 40, the doors 34 and 36 again followthe contour of the cam tracks 52 and 54 to cause the doors to open. Withthe doors open, the turntable 70 is able to rotate ninety degrees toallow the stranded apparatus to be removed from the plates.

Utilizing a cam follower, as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 3, themovement of the doors 34 and 36 is a function of the location of thecabinet 32 with respect to the turntable 70. The doors moveautomatically as the cam follower contacts the cam grooves or tracks 52and 54 as the cabinet moves radially inwardly toward the turntable 70.The doors open automatically as the movement of the cabinet 32 isreversed to cause it to move radially outwardly away from the turntable70. Obviously, any appropriate method may be used for opening andclosing the clam shell doors 34 and 36 with respect to the cabinet 32.

It will be noted that an appropriate relieved portion, or thatappropriate relieved portions, are included in the upper or top portionof the cabinet 32 and the doors 34 and 36 to allow the cabinet tocompletely envelope the apparatus stranded between the plates 400 and500. The relieved portions accordingly receive the upper cylindricalportions of each of the C frames, in turn. For example, with respect tothe C frame 90, as best shown in FIG. 4, the relieved portions at theupper part of the cabinet 30 enclose an outer, upper tubular member 100.The C frame 190 includes an outer, upward tubular member 130 which isenclosed by the heater 30 and which accordingly extends into therelieved portions. The bottom of the cabinet 32 and the doors 34 and 36are also appropriately relieved to fit over the turntable 70 and aroundthe bottom of the C frame.

FIG. 4 comprises a view in partial section through a portion of thestranding apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. For clarity of illustration of thecooperative elements involved, the motor 74 has been rotated from theposition shown in FIG. 1 to beneath the turntable 70 adjacent the Cframe 90. The duct 88 is shown extending from the control assembly 12 tothe center portion of the turntable 70. The central column base 80 isshown as comprising a cylindrical section, through which a plurality ofcontrol cables, and the like, extend from the duct 88 to the housing 84.The housing 84 includes the appropriate control elements, circuits,etc., for the four discrete C frames. The operation of the C frames willbe discussed below.

Beneath the turntable 70, and secured thereto, is the ring gear 72 whichmeshes with a spur gear 76. The spur gear 76 is in turn connected byappropriate linkage to a gear box 77 which is driven by the motor 74through a shaft 78. The actuation of the motor is, of course, under thegeneral control of the particular program which controls the strandingoperation of the arm 14, the actuation of the heater 30, and the like.The motor 74 actuates periodically to cause the turntable 70 to rotatein ninety degree increments, as discussed above.

The C frame 90 includes a lower bracket or frame member 92 which isdisposed on and appropriately secured to the turntable 70. A verticalframe member 94 extends upwardly from the lower frame member 92 to anupper frame member 96. The frame members 92 and 96 are substantiallyparallel to each other, joined at their inner ends to the vertical framemember 94. The vertical frame member 94 is also secured to theintermediate plate 82. The frame members 92 and 96 define horizonallyextending arms of the C frame 90.

Extending upwardly from the outer end of the bottom or lower framemember 92 is a lower vertical support member 98. A brace 99 extendsdiagonally from the upper portion of the support member 98 to the framemember 92. The plate 300 is appropriately disposed, and journaled forrotation, on the lower support element 98.

Extending downwardly from the outer end of the upper frame member 96 isan outer tubular member 100. The tubular member 100 is appropriatelysecured to the frame member 96. It will be noted that the terms "outer"and "inner" with respect to the elements 98 and 100 and the arms 92 and96 refer to the "outer" periphery of the turnable 70, remote from thevertical frame member 94. The same terminology will also be applied withrespect to the various frame members or elements of the C frame 150.

Moving telescopically within the tubular member 100 is a central orintermediate tubular member 102. The plate 200 is appropriately securedto the tubular member 102. The upper limit or vertical extent of themovement of the plate 200 is determined by the length of the tubularmember 100. In FIG. 4, the plate 200 is shown disposed at about itslower limit with respect to the outer tubular member 100. The plate 600of the C frame 150 is shown disposed in its upper limit, adjacent itsouter tubular member 160. The tubular members 100 and 102 are uppersupport elements for the upper plate 200. They are axially aligned withthe lower support element 98.

An inner tubular member 104 is shown extending between the plate 200 andthe plate 300. The tubular member 104 includes a pin 106 which extendsdiametrically outwardly with respect to the tubular member 104. The pin106 cooperates with a slot 110 (see FIG. 5) on an upwardly extendingboss 108 of the plate 300 to lock the plates 200 and 300 together forcommon or joint rotation about a common axis. The relative rotation ofthe plates is accordingly prevented when the tubular member 104 is inits downward position, with the pin 106 disposed in the slot 110.

The tubular member 104 moves vertically within the tubular member 102and relative thereto. An actuating cylinder 112, which may be ahydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or the like, is used to raiseand lower the member 104. An appropriate conduit 114 extends from theupper part of the upper column 86 to the cylinder 112. If desired, anelectric motor with an appropriate pulley arrangement may be used toraise and lower the element 104, rather than a pneumatic or hydraulicunit. The element 104 has been described above as a "tubular" member,but it is obvious that a solid shaft may do, if desired. The use of atubular member, hollow in the center portion thereof, may be preferablefor most uses, due to its lighter weight than a solid shaft.

Prior to the beginning of the stranding operation, the member 104, whichcomprises a locking element to lock the plates 200 and 300 together toprevent relative rotation, is lowered with respect to the plate 200. Thepin 106 is disposed in the slot 110 to lock the two plates together.Obviously, the member 104 is appropriately keyed to the plate 200 or tothe tubular member or shaft 102, which is secured to the plate 200, toprevent relative rotation thereof. Since the plate 200 is fixed relativeto the element 102, when the pin 106 of the inner element 104 is in theslot 106 of the plate 300, the plates 200 and 300 rotate as a unit,under the appropriate control of the central program during thestranding operation accomplished by the arm 14 and, again, under thecontrol of a central program.

A motor 116 is shown secured to the support member 116, and connected tothe control cables within the column 80 by a conductor (or byconductors) 118. The motor 116 comprises an appropriate reversible motorsecured to the plate 300 for rotational movement of the plates 200 and300. Since the plates 200 and 300 are secured together for jointrotational movement by the shaft 104, actuation of the motor 116 resultsin movement of both plates 200 and 300.

As the arm 14 winds the resin impregnated filament strands back andforth (or up and down) between pins on the plates 200 and 300, theplates 200 and 300 rotate in predetermined amounts and directions toprovide the desired stranding pattern. The stranding pattern is, asdiscussed above, under an appropriate program control.

At the completion of the stranding process, the shaft or locking element104 may be moved upwardly. When the resin has set up or cured, the pinswhich extend radially outwardly from the plates 200 and 300, and whichare shown in detail in FIGS. 5, 6, 7A and 7B, are moved inwardly toallow the stranded product to be removed from the C frame 90. After thestranded product is removed, the locking shaft 104 moves upwardly,relative to the plate 200 and the shaft 102 until the pin 106 contactsthe bottom of the plate 200. Since the pin 106 is of a substantiallylarger diameter than the shaft 104, and accordingly larger than theinside diameter of the shaft 102, the pin 106 will not move within theshaft 102. Rather, the pin then acts as a support element to raise theplate 200 and its shaft 102 within, and relative to, the outer, uppertubular member 100, and along the axis of rotation of the plate 200 andthe shafts 102 and 104. As indicated above, the plate 600 is shown inits upper position in FIG. 4, supported by pin 166 and shaft 164.

The C frame 150 is substantially identical to the C frame 90. Itincludes a lower frame member 92 secured to the lower bottom end of thevertical frame member 154, and an upper frame member 156 also secured tothe vertical frame member 154. The frame member 156 is substantiallyparallel to the frame member 154, and is secured to the opposite end ofthe vertical frame member 154 from the frame member 152. Extendingupwardly from the outer end of the frame element 152 is a lower supportmember or element 158. A brace 159 extends diagonally between the lowerframe member 152 and the lower support element 158. The plate 700 isdisposed on the lower support 158, and rotates relative thereto.

Extending from the upper frame member 156, in parallel alignment withthe frame member or support 98, is an upper, outer tubular member 160.The tubular member 160 is comparable to the tubular member 100. Theplate 600 moves on its shaft, an intermediate or central shaft, and itsshaft is disposed with and moves relative to the tubular member 160. Alocking shaft or inner tubular member 164, mentioned above, comparableto the shaft 104 of C frame 90, is disposed within and moves relative tothe tubular member 160. The shaft 164 includes the pin or key 166 whichextends into a slot 170 on a boss 168 of the plate 700. With the key orpin 166 in the slot 170, the plates 600 and 700 are locked to preventrelative rotation.

A motor 176 is secured to the support member 158 and connected to theappropriate control apparatus by a cable (or cables) 178. The motorrotates the plates 600 and 700 during the stranding process for the Cframe 150, as discussed above in conjunction with motor 116 of the Cframe 90.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the plate 300. FIG. 6 is a view inpartial section of the plate 300 of FIG. 5, taken generally along line6--6 of FIG. 5. FIGS. 7A and 7B are fragmentary sequential views of aportion of plate 300 of FIGS. 5 and 6, illustrating a method formechanically moving the pins radially inwardly and outwardly withrespect to the plate 300. Reference will be made to FIGS. 5, 6, 7A, and7B, for the following discussion.

The plate 300 is of a generally circular configuration. It includes aplanar top surface 302 and a peripheral outer surface 304 which slopesoutwardly and downwardly from the top surface 302. Beneath the topsurface is a relieved, or concave, bottom portion 306. An outer wallportion 308 extends between the peripheral outer sloping surface 304 andthe relieved bottom portion 306. The outer wall portion 308 is generallycircular and comprises the full thickness of the plate 300.

A plurality of holes or relatively small, narrow diameter bores 310extend radially through the outer wall portion 308 to providecommunication between the relieved bottom portion 306 and the outersurface 304. A plurality of pins 312 extend through the holes 310 andoutwardly with respect to the plate 300. The pins 312 move axially intheir respective holes or bores through a pin actuator link 314 which issecured to each pin 312. The actuator links 314 are in turn secured to acentral collar 316 which pivots or moves relative to the plate 300 onappropriate bearings.

Extending upwardly from the plate 300 is a boss 108. The boss 108 andits slot 110 have been discussed above, in conjunction with FIG. 4.Centrally disposed with respect to the plate 300 within the relievedbottom portion 306 is a central hub 320. The hub 320 is a verticallydownwardly continuation or extension of the boss 108. The collar 316 isappropriately secured for rotation about the hub 320.

As best shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, which are fragmentary views of aportion of the plate 300, looking upwardly, in the direction of the lineand arrows 7--7 of FIG. 6, the movement of the collar 316 relative tothe plate 300 is illustrated. A single pin 312 is shown extendingthrough a hole or bore 310. The pin 312, remote from the outer wall 304and within the relieved portion 306, is shown secured to an actuatinglink 314. The actuator link 314 is in turn secured to the collar 314. Areversible motor 318, or actuating cylinder, as desired, isappropriately secured to the collar 316. Actuation of the motor orcylinder causes the collar 316 to move (rotate) relative to the plate300 a limited distance sufficient to withdraw or retreat the pin 312from its outer position, shown in FIG. 5 and in FIG. 7B, to its inner orretracted position, as shown in FIG. 7A. With the pin 312 in its innerposition, the pin 312 is disposed within the slot or bore 310, andaccordingly does not protrude outwardly from the surface 304. With thepins retracted, the stranded article may be removed from between theplates 200 and 300.

Movement of the collar 316 in the opposite direction, as indicated bythe arrow in FIG. 7B, causes the actuating link 314 to move the pin 312outwardly through the hole 310 to its outer position. With the pin 312in its outer position, it is ready to be used for stranding purposes.

For stranding, the plate 300, and all of the other plates attached tothe C frames, are disposed with their pins in the outer or extendedposition. In FIG. 5, the plurality of pins 312 are shown extendingoutwardly from the surface 304 of the plate 300. The arm 14 isaccordingly able to wind strands around the pins 312 in appropriateconfigurations for stranding a product or article, as desired.

For stranding an article between the upper and lower plates, the platesrotate together as the arm 14 moves vertically upwardly and downwardly.The rotation of the plates is accomplished by appropriate reversiblemotors. In FIG. 4, a motor 116 is schematically represented as securedto the lower post 98 and in operative contact with the lower plate 300.A similar reversible motor 176 is schematically represented as securedto the lower post 158 and in operative contact with lower plate 700 ofthe C frame 150. The locking together of the upper and lower plates oneach frame has been discussed above, and is also discussed below. Sincethe plates are secured together for joint or common rotation, a singlemotor on each frame allows the plates, and the apparatus being strandedbetween the plates, to be rotated in conjunction with the verticalupwardly and downwardly movements of the stranding arm 14 to define anydesired stranding pattern.

The control of the plate rotary motors for each C frame, such as themotors 116 and 176 illustrated in FIG. 4, is accomplished by a centralcontrol apparatus, such as a computer, or the like. Accordingly,electrical conductors (not shown) are secured to the motors and theyextend to the central column 80 (see FIG. 4) and from the central column80 to the control apparatus either disposed in the control assembly 12or housing 84, as desired.

While a C frame is at what may be referred to as the stranding or firststation, opposite (or adjacent to) the stranding arm 14, the rotation ofthe plates is in relatively short increments in opposite directions toprovide the appropriate filament winding or stranding pattern. At thenext station, or at what may be referred to as the curing station, withthe stranded apparatus within the heater cabinet 32, rotation of theplates and stranded apparatus may not be required. If desired, though,the rotation may be in a single direction and at a relatively low rpm.

It will be noted that some resins may be light sensitive with respect tocuring. If such are used, then the heater apparatus 30 may be a lightcabinet rather than a heater cabinet, as discussed. Hence the term"curing cabinet" or "curing station" may be a more appropriate andbroader term than "heater cabinet."

At the next two stations, which may be referred to as the cleaning andpreparation stations, respectively, rotation of the plates by the motorsis not necessary. The cleaning of the plates may be accomplished withmanual rotation of the plates, if desired. Moreover, the plates willprobably not be secured together by their locking shafts. Similarly, thepreparation of the plates and pins for the next stranding operation,after cleaning, may not require mechanical rotation, but only manualrotation, if any. The preparation includes the application of wax orother release agents, and accordingly only limited rotation isnecessary.

FIG. 8 illustrates the operation of the motor 116 and the plate 300. Themotor 116 is appropriately secured to the lower post 98. The motorincludes the shaft and a driving gear 118. The driving gear 118 iscoupled to a driven gear 322 secured to the hub 320 of the plate 300.The meshing of the spur or driving gear 118 with the driven gear 322causes the plate 300 to move in response to actuation of the motor 116.When the locking element or member 104 is in its downward position, withits pin 106 disposed in the slot 110 of the upwardly extending boss 108,the plates 200 and 300 move jointly for rotational movement as driven bythe motor 116.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view in partial section illustrating the lockingof the shaft 104 and the plate 200 together for joint rotationalmovement. The plate 200 is secured to the central shaft 102 againstrelative rotary movement by a key 204 which extends into a key slot 202in the plate 200. The key 204 also extends into an appropriate groove orslot in the shaft 102. An appropriate element, such as a C ring or snapring 105 extends into an outer, circumferentially extending groove atthe lower portion of the shaft 102. The snap ring 105 extends outwardlyfrom the circumferentially or peripherally extending groove and providesa horizontally extending surface which abuts against the bottom or lowerportion of the plate 200. The snap ring 105 prevents the plate 200 frommoving downwardly with respect to the shaft 102. Thus, when the shaft102 moves upwardly, the plate 200 moves therewith.

A key 107 is secured illustratively to the shaft 104. The key 107extends from the shaft 104 into a vertically or axially extending slot103 in the shaft 102. Thus, relative rotational movement is preventedbetween the shafts 102 and 104 by the key 107. Obviously, otherappropriate arrangements may also be used to prevent relative rotationalmotion between the shafts and the plates from those discussed herein.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another type of stranding pin movementapparatus. FIG. 10 is a view in partial section through a portion of aplate 1300, which is substantially identical in general overallconfiguration to the plate 300 illustrated and discussed above inconjunction with FIGS. 1-7. FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view of a portionof the plate 1300 of FIG. 10 taken generally along line 11--11 of FIG.10. The plate 1300 includes a top surface 1302, an outwardly anddownwardly sloping surface 1304, and a bottom relieved portion 1306. Anouter wall 1308 extends outwardly from the relieved portion 1306, and itincludes a radially extending bore 1310 which communicates between therelieved portion 1306 and the outer surface 1304.

Extending through the top or upper surface 1302 is a radially extendingslot 1312 which is aligned with the bore 1310. The slot 1302communicates with the concave relieved portion 1306. The relievedportion 1306 extends between a central hub portion 1314 and the outerwall portion 1308, and downwardly from the upper web portion, the top ofwhich is the flat, planar surface 1302. A central bore 1316 extendsvertically through the hub 1314.

A stranding pin 1320 extends outwardly from the bore 1310 and past thesloping outer surface 1304 of the plate 1300. The pin 1320 extendsoutwardly beyond the outer periphery of the plate 1300 in its extendedposition, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The pin 1320 is accordingly inits outer or extended position, ready to receive a filament strand. Thepin 1320 is secured to a pin holder or sleeve 1322 which is disposedwithin the bore 1310. Since the diameter of the bore 1310 issubstantially larger than the pin 1320, an appropriate pin guide, suchas the holder or sleeve 1322, is used to hold and to guide the pin 1320in the bore 1310. The diameter of the element 1322 is slightly less thanthat of the bore 1310, and the sleeve 1322 accordingly moves freelywithin the bore 1310.

A guide or cam pin 1324 is secured to the guide 1322 and it extendssubstantially vertically perpendicularly thereto. The pin 1324 extendsupwardly into the slot 1312, which is aligned with the bore 1310. Thewidth of the slot 1312 is sufficient to accommodate the pin 1324. Theradial length of the slot 1312 is sufficient to allow the pin 1320 tomove to its outermost position, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and to bewithdrawn from its outer position into the bore 1310 to allow thefilament wound apparatus standard on the pin to be removed from theplate 1300.

The guide or cam pin 1324 also extends downwardly into an arcuatelyextending slot 1324 in a plate 1330. The plate 1330 is journaled forrotation about the hub 1314 within the relieved portion 1306 on anappropriate bearing 1332. The plate 1330 moves in an arc under the powerof an appropriate motor, or other appropriate element, not shown, tocause the pin 1320 to be moved longitudinally in the bore 1310.

The plate 1330 is, of course, circular, and rotates about the hub 1314of the plate 1300. The pin 1320, with its guide sleeve 1322,reciprocates linearly within the radially extending bore 1310. The slot1312 aids in guiding the linear movement of the pin 1320 by the cam orguide pin 1324. The actual movement of the pin 1320 and its sleeve 1322is accomplished through the rotation of the plate 1330 and its arcuatelyextending slot 1334, in which the cam follower 1324 is disposed. Theguide pin 1324 acts as a cam follower as it extends through the slot1334. With the slot 1334 extending arcuately, as best shown in FIG. 11,rotation of the plate 1330 causes the pin 1320 to move linearly withrespect to the bore 1310. Since the plate 1330 moves or rotates inopposite directions, or both clockwise and counterclockwise, the pin1320 moves inwardly and outwardly, to and from its extended andretracted positions, as desired, and in accordance with the rotation ofthe plate 1330. As mentioned above, rotation of the plate 1330 may beaccomplished by any appropriate means, such as a motor or an actuatingcylinder, or the like.

In the above descriptive material, the rotation of the plates during thestranding process has been characterized as reversible. However, it isobvious that the plates may rotate in only a single direction. Suchone-way rotation of the plates results in an interwoven or interlacedstranded article. If one-way movement is desired, a reversible motor forrotating the plates is not needed.

For stranding square or rectangular articles, the circular or roundplates illustrated in the drawing figures and discussed herein arereplaced by square or rectangular plates. With the square or rectangularplates, the stranding pins are aligned generally parallel to each otherand generally perpendicular to the edges of the plates. For square orrectangular stranding purposes, generally only two sets of pins arerequired, with the pins aligned at opposite edges and generally parallelto each other.

Obviously, the desired configuration of the product to be stranded isdeterminitive of the configuration of the plates to be used. Thestranding pins are oriented accordingly. If only part of a circle isdesired, then only the corresponding pins are used on circular plates.If two parallel walls or sides are to be stranded, then the pins ofopposite sides of a square or rectangular plate are used. Eliptical orother configurations may also be employed for plates, according to thedesired end product design.

While the principles of the invention have been made clear inillustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to thoseskilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement,proportions, the elements, materials, and components used in thepractice of the invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adaptedfor specific environments and operative requirements without departingfrom those principles. The appended claims are intended to cover andembrace any and all such modifications, within the limits only of thetrue spirit and scope of the invention. This specification and theappended claims have been prepared in accordance with the applicablepatent laws and the rules promulgated under the authority thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. Stranding apparatus comprising, incombination:frame means, including a first support element and a secondsupport element; first plate means rotatably secured to the firstsupport element; second plate means rotatably secured to the secondsupport element and spaced apart from the first plate means; a shaftsecured to the frame means for locking together the first plate meansand the second plate means for joint rotary movement relative to thefirst and second support element, and movable vertically for unlockingthe first plate means and the second plate means; and pin means securedto the first and second plate means and movable between an outerposition to receive strands and a retracted position for removal of thestrands.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the first plate means isaligned with the second plate means.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 inwhich the first plate means and the second plate means have a commonaxis of rotation.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 in which the first platemeans is movable along its axis of rotation relative to the second platemeans when the shaft is moved vertically to unlock the first plate meansand the second plate means.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 in which thefirst plate means and the second plate means each includea central hub,an outer portion spaced apart from the central hub, and a plurality ofbores disposed in the outer portion for receiving the pin means.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5 in which the pin means includes a plurality ofpins, and each pin of the plurality of pins is disposed in one of theplurality of bores.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 in which the pin meansfurther includes means for moving the pins from and to their outer andtheir retracted positions.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 in which thefirst support element and the second support element of the frame meansare axially aligned with each other.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 inwhich the frame means further includes a third support element securedto the first plate means and to the first support element and axiallymovable relative to the first support element.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 9 in which the locking shaft of the frame means is movable from afirst position for locking together the first and second plate means toa second position for moving the first plate means vertically withrespect to the second plate means.
 11. Stranding apparatus for strandinga plurality of articles of resin impregnated strands, comprising, incombination:rotatable turntable means; frame means disposed on theturntable means, includingfirst stranding frame means, and secondstranding frame means spaced apart from the first stranding frame means;plate means, includinga first plate and a second plate spaced apart fromeach other and secured to the first stranding frame means, and a thirdplate and a fourth plate spaced apart from each other and secured to thesecond stranding frame means; shaft means secured to the frame means,includinga first locking shaft extending between the first and secondplates for locking the first and second plates together and movable tounlock the first and second plates and to raise the first plate relativeto the second plate, and a second locking shaft extending between thethird and fourth plates for locking the third and fourth plates togetherand movable to unlock the third and fourth plates and to raise the thirdplate relative to the fourth plate; pin means, including a plurality ofpins extending outwardly from the plate means and movable between anextended position outwardly from the plate means for receiving strandsand a retracted position for removing the strands from the plate means;curing means disposed adjacent the turntable means for curing the resinimpregnated in the strands disposed on the plurality of pins; and meansfor rotating the turntable means from a first position where the firststranding frame means is stranded to a second position where the firststranding frame means is disposed adjacent the curing means for curingthe resin impregnated strands on the first stranding frame means, andthe second stranding frame means is at the first position to bestranded.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 in which the plate means isrotatably secured to the frame means.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 inwhich the first and second locking shafts respectively lock the firstand second plates together for joint rotary movement and lock the thirdand fourth plates together for joint rotary movement.
 14. The apparatusof claim 11 in which the plate means includes a plurality of bores forreceiving the plurality of pins.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 in whichthe pin means includes means for moving the pins in the bores betweenthe extended and retracted positions.